China, Egypt seeks to promote Belt and Road Initiative

CAIRO, April 13 (Xinhua) -- Egypt is an important partner of China in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative, a visiting senior Chinese official said here on Thursday.

When meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Sun Chunlan, head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, hailed the long-standing traditional friendship between the two countries and continuous developments in bilateral ties.

The presidents of the two countries have reached a broad consensus on developing the comprehensive strategic partnership, pointing out the directions of bilateral ties, she said.

"China attaches great importance to developing friendly relations with Egypt and regards Egypt as an important partner in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative," Sun said.

The Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, known as the Belt and Road Initiative, was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 with the aim of building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.

"China would like to comprehensively deepen pragmatic cooperation in various fields with Egypt and achieve joint development on the basis of mutual benefit and a win-win situation," Sun added.

She also condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Egypt and expressed condolences to the victims.

For his part, Sisi said Egypt admires the great achievements made by the Chinese people under the leadership of the CPC.

"Egypt highly values the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and is willing to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative actively," Sisi said, adding that he welcomes more Chinese companies to invest in Egypt.

Egypt is willing to strengthen cooperation with China to combat terrorism in all its forms, he said.